Developed in the late 19th century as a banana port, La Ceiba is one of the country’s major Caribbean ports. Besides bananas, the port handles pineapples, citrus fruits, coconuts, abacá fibre, fish, meat, coffee, and lumber. Standard Fruit de Honduras, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Dole Food Company, which operates large banana, citrus fruit, and coconut plantations in the hinterland, is centred in the city.